What to do in Asian cities this month (December 2017)

2017, it’s been one hell of a year. From the threat of nuclear war to the force of #MeToo, we felt the global issues personally and our personal issues made a global impact. Now, in the beginning of December, we have a lot to review and wrap up and celebrate (hey, we all survived!). These awesome, once-a-year events will boost your mood and properly toast to a memorable new year.

Hong Kong Design Center’s flagship event returns in its 16th edition. Business of Design Week (“BODW”) is known to bring some of the world’s most outstanding design masters and influential business figures to Hong Kong. Guided by the theme “Italy Makes A Difference”, this year’s line-up includes Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas (Studio Fuksas), Professor Jacques Herzog (Herzog & de Meuron), Alberto Meda (Alberto Meda Design), and many more.

As Art Basel Hong Kong is to the art world in Asia, BODW is to the design world the platform for design industry people to network and for creative individuals to be inspired. It’s worth visiting even if you don’t know how to use photoshop or what Pantone’s color of the year is. If you’re interested in innovation and brands, BODW will present you the people and ideas (and maybe some business opportunities).

For last six months, Bangkok Art & Culture Center has presented the Performative Art Festival (“P.A.F.”) in partnership with the Performing Artists’ Network. P.A.F promotes performing arts as a bridge between artists and the public and encourages the exchange of ideas between artists and audiences. If you have missed previous performances, don’t be discouraged. P.A.F. ends with a bang in the name of the Thai & Korean collaboration “Something Missing.”

“Something Missing” is created by two physical drama groups: B-floor group from Thailand and Momggol group from South Korea. They exchanged ideas, similarities, and differences in the social contexts and politics of the two cultures, and present what is ‘missing’ in both societies. Two years ago they ‘showed’ the reality of artists under oppression. Last year it was the hypocrisy of religions. This year, see for yourself.

The biggest carnival in Singapore is coming to Marina Bay with over 40 family-friendly, thrilling rides and games, from Pirate Ship to Star Flyer. Many attractions are brought in from European countries such as Germany, Italy and Britain (it’s still Europe, for now). The admission is free and you can visit any day from December 8, 2017 to April 1, 2018, but don’t miss the events coming every week.

On December 9, the Santa Run for Wishes returns for a 4th year with a 5km run along the scenic Marina Bay. All proceeds from the run registration will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening conditions. And only in December (obviously), Christmas carols will ring out on every Wednesday, Thursday and weekend evening from the lovely Evokx choir.

From the famous used-bookstore district of Jimbocho to the vintage stores in Shibuya, the people of Tokyo know the secrets of secondhand goods. The annual Setagaya Boroichi fair presents you the ultimate Tokyo flea market experience with around 700 stalls and more than 430 years of history. Designated as one of Tokyo’s intangible folk cultural assets, the market is just fun to browse, and the popular ‘daikan mochi’ rice cakes are worth waiting for. The market sells a variety of items, from toys to antiques, and it centers around the Setagaya Daikan Yashiki, the old local magistrate’s residence.

If you cannot make it this month, don’t worry. This fantastic flea market takes place twice a year: December and January 15th and 16th. So, maybe next month.

Commune Market is a creative entrepreneurial movement giving a platform to local designers, artisans, and artists, and this time they bring you one of Shanghai’s most festive Christmas fairs. From handcrafted gifts to party-ready designer clothing, something tells us this will be the one-stop solution for all your Christmas shopping. Of course, half of the fun in a market is food, food, and more food. Artisanal cakes, cookies, specialty coffee, quirky Boxing Cat beer, and mulled wine. It’s a cool & hip version of the traditional Christmas market.

In case you get bored with all the shopping, there’s live music entertainment including guitarist, vocalist, and a DJ.